In response to the announcement from the Victorian Government regarding continued restrictions, these tours will no longer go ahead in person. We are pleased to confirm that you can still join us for a virtual tour anytime on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July here.

Take a free, guided virtual tour of the spectacular lighting design, elaborate foyers and intricate crystalline ceiling of The Capitol at RMIT University. One of Melbourne’s – and the world’s – most iconic theatres.

This year Open House Melbourne (OHM) asks us to reconsider the way we will occupy our city and to envisage new ways of designing and adapting our buildings and infrastructure as we emerge from the impact of the COVID era.

Formerly known as the Capitol Theatre, The Capitol was originally designed by celebrated architects Marion Mahony Griffin and Walter Burley Griffin in 1924. The Chicago Gothic-style theatre is considered their greatest interior design work. The impressive ceiling was designed with 33,000 plaster crystals lit by thousands of coloured lights, creating the impression of a crystalline cave of wonder. Renowned Australian architect and RMIT alumnus Robin Boyd described it as “the best cinema that was ever built or is ever likely to be built” and the National Trust and Victorian Heritage have registered the Theatre based on its architectural, historical, aesthetic and technical significance.

Between 2014–2019 RMIT worked with Six Degrees Architects to make considerable upgrades to the building and restore The Capitol to its former glory, and retain its significance as an architectural and cultural icon.

Presented as part of the OHM July Weekend running 24 + 25 July 2021.